Ameliorative effect of dietary milk-derived sphingomyelin concentrates on atopic-like dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

The effect of dietary milk-derived sphingomyelin concentrate (SPC) on atopic-like dermatitis was investigated. Atopic-like dermatitis was induced by sensitization to and repeated challenges with picryl chloride in male NC/Nga mice. Mice were fed an SPC-containing diet for 12 weeks, beginning 2 weeks before sensitization. The effect of SPC was assessed by monitoring clinical scores, serum immunoglobulin E levels, scratching behaviours, and in vitro cytokine productivities by splenocytes and mesenteric lymph node cells. Skin lesions were histologically investigated. Scratching behaviours were improved in the SPC group compared with the control group. The clinical score was ameliorated, and interleukin-6 productivity by splenocytes was significantly reduced in the SPC group. The numbers of infiltrated and degranulated mast cells in skin lesions were significantly lower in the SPC group than in the control group. These results indicate that dietary SPC significantly ameliorates atopic-like dermatitis in NC/Nga mice by suppressing systemic and peripheral inflammation.